Systems And Methods For Providing Services

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for providing services are disclosed. One method can comprise receiving data having a first format and transmitting the data to a first device. The method may also comprise detecting a second device, automatically recognizing a supported second format of the detected second device, converting the data to the second format, and transmitting the converted data to the second device via wireless communication.

Certain adapters facilitate the presentation of Internet-based contentvia a television and/or a mobile device. However, some content devicesmay not be able to connect to some mobile devices to share content fromthe content device. The present disclosure addresses these and othershortcomings relating to providing services such as content delivery.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that both the following general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive, as claimed. Provided are methods and systemsfor providing services. In an aspect, services can be provided to mobiledevices and/or wireless devices. As an example, high-definitionmultimedia interface (HDMI) data can be adapted and transmitted to awireless device. Accordingly, the adaptation can facilitate consumptionof the data via a mobile device. As a further example, a user experiencecan be generated on the mobile device, transmitted, and presented via adisplay such as a television.

In an aspect, methods for providing services to a wireless device cancomprise receiving data having a first format and transmitting the datato a first device. The methods can further comprise detecting a seconddevice. A supported second format of the detected second device can beautomatically recognized and the data can be converted to the secondformat. The converted data can be transmitted to the second device viawireless communication.

In another aspect, methods can comprise establishing an association witha device via an ad hoc network. Configuration data that relates to asecond network can be received from the device. Communication with thesecond network can be configured based upon the configuration data.

In a further aspect, the methods can comprise receiving first datahaving a first format and transmitting the first data to a first device.The methods can further comprise detecting a second device. A supportedsecond format of the detected second device can be automaticallyrecognized and second data having the second format can be received fromthe second device. The second data can be converted from the secondformat to the first format. The converted data can be transmitted to thefirst device.

Additional advantages will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows or may be learned by practice. The advantages will be realizedand attained by means of the elements and combinations particularlypointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both theforegoing general description and the following detailed description areexemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with thedescription, serve to explain the principles of the methods and systems:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary system and network;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing device;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an exemplary system and network;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an exemplary system and network;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an exemplary method;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an exemplary method; and

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an exemplary method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present methods and systems are disclosed and described, itis to be understood that the methods and systems are not limited tospecific methods, specific components, or to particular implementations.It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended tobe limiting.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” oneparticular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When sucha range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the oneparticular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, whenvalues are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent“about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms anotherembodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each ofthe ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, andindependently of the other endpoint.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described eventor circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includesinstances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where itdoes not.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word“comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and“comprises,” means “including but not limited to.” and is not intendedto exclude, for example, other components, integers or steps.“Exemplary” means “an example of” and is not intended to convey anindication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. “Such as” is not used ina restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosedmethods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein,and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions,groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specificreference of each various individual and collective combinations andpermutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each isspecifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods andsystems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, butnot limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a varietyof additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each ofthese additional steps can be performed with any specific embodiment orcombination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.

The present methods and systems may be understood more readily byreference to the following detailed description of preferred embodimentsand the examples included therein and to the Figures and their previousand following description.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the methods andsystems may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, anentirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software andhardware aspects. Furthermore, the methods and systems may take the formof a computer program product on a computer-readable storage mediumhaving computer-readable program instructions (e.g., computer software)embodied in the storage medium. More particularly, the present methodsand systems may take the form of web-implemented computer software. Anysuitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized including harddisks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

Embodiments of the methods and systems are described below withreference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods,systems, apparatuses and computer program products. It will beunderstood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams andflowchart illustrations, respectively, can be implemented by computerprogram instructions. These computer program instructions may be loadedonto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such thatthe instructions which execute on the computer or other programmabledata processing apparatus create a means for implementing the functionsspecified in the flowchart block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable memory that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablememory produce an article of manufacture including computer-readableinstructions for implementing the function specified in the flowchartblock or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loadedonto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to causea series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or otherprogrammable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process suchthat the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in theflowchart block or blocks.

Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrationssupport combinations of means for performing the specified functions,combinations of steps for performing the specified functions and programinstruction means for performing the specified functions. It will alsobe understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams andflowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purposehardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions orsteps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computerinstructions.

Provided are methods and systems for providing services. In an aspect,services can be provided to one or more mobile devices. As an example,formatted data such as high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) datacan be adapted and transmitted to a wireless device. Accordingly, theadaptation can facilitate consumption of the data via a mobile device.As a further example, a user experience can be generated on the mobiledevice, transmitted, and presented via a display such as a television.The display and the mobile device can share content in a bidirectionalmanner. Content presented via the mobile device can be transmitted andpresented via the display. Content presented via the display can betransmitted and presented via the mobile device. The content displayedvia one or more of the mobile device and the display can be a mergedcontent received from one or more sources.

In an aspect, a system can be configured to provide services such ascontent related services to a user device. FIG. 1 illustrates variousaspects of an exemplary network in which the present methods and systemscan operate. The present disclosure is relevant to systems and methodsfor providing services to a user device, for example. Those skilled inthe art will appreciate that present methods may be used in varioustypes of networks and systems that employ both digital and analogequipment. One skilled in the art will appreciate that provided hereinis a functional description and that the respective functions can beperformed by software, hardware, or a combination of software andhardware.

FIG. 1 illustrates various aspects of an exemplary network environmentin which the present methods and systems can operate. Some aspects ofthe present disclosure relate to methods and systems for contentcontrol. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that present methodsmay be used in systems that employ both digital and analog equipment.One skilled in the art will appreciate that provided herein is afunctional description and that the respective functions can beperformed by software, hardware, or a combination of software andhardware.

The network 100 can comprise a central location 101 (e.g., a control orprocessing facility in a fiber optic network, wireless network orsatellite network, a hybrid-fiber coaxial (HFC) content distributioncenter, a processing center, headend, etc.), which can receive content(e.g., data, input programming) from multiple sources. The centrallocation 101 can combine the content from the various sources and candistribute the content to user locations, such as location 119, viadistribution system 116.

In an aspect, the central location 101 can receive content from avariety of sources 102 a, 102 b, 102 c. The content can be transmittedfrom the source to the central location 101 via a variety oftransmission paths, including wireless (e.g. satellite paths 103 a, 103b) and terrestrial path 104. The central location 101 can also receivecontent from a direct feed source 106 via a direct line 105. Content canalso be created at the central location 101. Other input sources cancomprise capture devices such as a video camera 109 or a server 110. Thesignals provided by the content sources can comprise a single contentitem or a multiplex that comprises several content items.

The central location 101 can comprise one or a plurality of receivers111 a, 111 b, 111 c, 111 d that are each associated with an inputsource. For example, MPEG encoders such as encoder 112, are included forencoding/transcoding local content or a video camera 109 feed. As afurther example, a data packaging device, such as a fragmentor, can beintegrated with the encoder 112 (or separate and in communication withthe encoder 112) to package the encoded/transcoded content. In anaspect, the encoder 112 and/or fragmentor can repeatedly embed markers,flags, and signals into the content data stream for processing bydownstream devices. A switch 113 can provide access to server 110, whichcan be, for example, a pay-per-view server, a data server, an internetrouter, a network system, and/or a phone system. Some signals mayrequire additional processing, such as signal multiplexing, prior tobeing modulated. Such multiplexing can be performed by multiplexer (mux)114.

The central location 101 can comprise one or a plurality of modulators115 for interfacing to the distribution system 116. The modulators canconvert the received content into a modulated output signal suitable fortransmission over the distribution system 116. The output signals fromthe modulators can be combined, using equipment such as a combiner 117,for input into the distribution system 116.

A control system 118 can permit a system operator to control and monitorthe functions and performance of network 100. The control system 118 caninterface, monitor, and/or control a variety of functions, including,but not limited to, the channel lineup for the television system,billing for each user, and/or conditional access for content distributedto users. Control system 118 can provide input to the modulators forsetting operating parameters, such as system specific MPEG table packetorganization or conditional access information. The control system 118can be located at central location 101 or at a remote location.

The distribution system 116 can distribute signals from the centrallocation 101 to user locations, such as user location 119. Thedistribution system 116 can be an optical fiber network, a coaxial cablenetwork, a hybrid fiber-coaxial network, a wireless network, a satellitesystem, a direct broadcast system, or any combination thereof. There canbe a multitude of user locations connected to distribution system 116.At user location 119, a computing device 120, such as a decoder,gateway, game console, or communications terminal (CT) can decode, ifneeded, the signals for display on a display device, such as on adisplay device 121 such as a television set (TV), a mobile device, or acomputer monitor. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that thesignal can be decoded in a variety of equipment, including a CT, aset-top box, a computer, a TV, a monitor, or satellite dish. In anexemplary aspect, the methods and systems disclosed can be locatedwithin, or performed on, one or more CT's, display devices 121, centrallocations 101, DVR's, home theater PC's, and the like. As an example,the computing device 120 can receive and process embedded markers,flags, and signals in the content data stream for controlling a contentreceived by the computing device 120. As a further example, thecomputing device 120 can be configured to interface with variousprotocols and interfaces such as Internet protocol (IP), radio frequency(RF), WiFi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, component, Multimedia over Coax Alliance(MoCA). Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), OpenCable, Digital VideoBroadcasting (DVB), S-video, HDMI and the like.

In an aspect, a discovery element 122 can be in communication with oneor more of the computing device 120 and the distribution system 116. Anelement, such as the discovery element 122, can be or comprise hardwareand software and can be stand-alone or integrated with another element,device, or system. In another aspect, the discovery element 122 can beconfigured as an in-line hardwire interface to wireless adapter. In afurther aspect, discovery element 122 can comprise an input (e.g., HDMI1.3a compatible Type A plug (male) integrated or on shielded HDMI 1.3acompatible cable (Category-2)), an output (e.g. HDMI 1.3a compatibleType A receptacle (female)), and an IR blaster extension (e.g., 3.5 mmmono (TS) miniature Jack (tip positive)). As an example, the discoveryelement 122 can be configured to support wireless communication such asvia 802.11n, WEP, WPA Personal, WPA/WPA2 Personal, WPA2 Personal, andthe like. As another example, the discovery element 122 can beconfigured as a HDMI to WiFi adapter. As a further example, thediscovery element 122 can receive data from a data source (e.g., HDMIsource) such as the computing device 120. In an aspect, the discoveryelement 122 can be configured to encode data in a format (e.g., H.264Main Level) that can be viewed by wireless and/or mobile devices. Assuch, when a user device such as a mobile device requests to view theoutput of the HDMI source, the discovery element 122 can transmit datain a converted format wirelessly to the mobile device. The user devicecan then present the converted data (e.g., content). As an example, theconverted data can be protected with a suitable technology such asHDCP2.0. Other technologies can be used such as WiFi Display (Miracasthttp://www.wi-fi.org/wi-fi-certified-Miracast™), DLNA Premium,MPEG-DASH, and the like. Meanwhile, the display 121 can present the samecontent based upon the output from the data source (e.g., HDMI source).

In an aspect, a discovery method can be provided by discovery element122 to allow the discovery element 122 to find one or more devices on anetwork. Once discovered, the one or more detected devices can bequeried and can respond with the state information (e.g., power-on,power-off) relating to the one or more devices (or a connected devicesuch as a display). The state information can be used to determineconnectivity between the discovery element 122 and the one or moredetected devices. In an aspect, state information can also compriseinformation relating to the current processes operating on the one ormore detected devices. As an example, if a detected device is determinedto already be sharing services such as content delivery services withanother device, the discovery element 122 can determine whether to seekout another detected device. The state information can comprise otherinformation relating to the detected devices.

In an aspect, the discovery element 122 can generate a discrete wirelessnetwork. As an example, the discrete wireless network can be a WiFinetwork. As a further example, the discrete wireless network can be anad hoc network. In an aspect, user devices such as a mobile device canjoin (e.g., connect to) the discrete wireless network for the purpose ofreconfiguring the discovery element 122 to join a local network (e.g.,LAN, WLAN, etc.) to which the user device is already connected. Inparticular, the user device can transmit configuration information tothe discovery element 122 to facilitate the discovery element 122connecting to the local network. After joining the local network,discovery element 122 can interact with the devices that are connectedto the local network. As an example, a device can be connected to a WLANin a home or office. The device can discover the ad hoc networkgenerated by the discovery element 122 and can connect to the ad hocnetwork. Since the connected device has the configuration informationnecessary to connect to the WLAN (as the device is or has previouslyconnected to the WLAN), the device can share the configurationinformation with the discovery element 122 via the ad hoc network. Oncethe discovery element 122 receives the configuration information for theWLAN, the discovery element 122 can be automatically configure toconnect to the WLAN.

In an aspect, the discovery element 122 can be configured to updatelocal software from a local (e.g., USB) and/or remote (e.g., Internetserver) source. In another aspect, discovery element 122 can beconfigured to log activity and make logging data available for analysis.

In an aspect, content can be presented via a user device and the userdevice can transmit data representing the presented content to thediscovery element 122. Accordingly, discovery element 122 can convertthe data received from the user device for presentation on one or moreconnected devices such as the display 121. As an example, graphics fromthe user device can be overlaid onto video transmitted from thecomputing device 102 to the display 121 (e.g., via the discovery element122). As a further example, a customized user experience can bepresented on the user device and shared with a second device such as thedisplay 121. In an aspect, the user experience can be generated on theuser device and at least a portion of the user experience can be sharedwith a second device. As an example, the user experience of the userdevice can be replicated and shared with a second device.

In an exemplary aspect, the methods and systems can be implemented on acomputing system such as computing device 201 as illustrated in FIG. 2and described below. By way of example, one or more of the computingdevice 120 and the discovery element 122 of FIG. 1 can be a computingdevice as illustrated in FIG. 2. Similarly, the methods and systemsdisclosed can utilize one or more computers to perform one or morefunctions in one or more locations. FIG. 2 is a block diagramillustrating an exemplary operating environment for performing thedisclosed methods. This exemplary operating environment is only anexample of an operating environment and is not intended to suggest anylimitation as to the scope of use or functionality of operatingenvironment architecture. Neither should the operating environment beinterpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any oneor combination of components illustrated in the exemplary operatingenvironment.

The present methods and systems can be operational with numerous othergeneral purpose or special purpose computing system environments orconfigurations. Examples of well known computing systems, environments,and/or configurations that can be suitable for use with the systems andmethods comprise, but are not limited to, personal computers, servercomputers, laptop devices, and multiprocessor systems. Additionalexamples comprise set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics,network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computingenvironments that comprise any of the above systems or devices, and thelike.

The processing of the disclosed methods and systems can be performed bysoftware components. The disclosed systems and methods can be describedin the general context of computer-executable instructions, such asprogram modules, being executed by one or more computers or otherdevices. Generally, program modules comprise computer code, routines,programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that performparticular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Thedisclosed methods can also be practiced in grid-based and distributedcomputing environments where tasks are performed by remote processingdevices that are linked through a communications network. In adistributed computing environment, program modules can be located inboth local and remote computer storage media including memory storagedevices.

Further, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the systems andmethods disclosed herein can be implemented via a general-purposecomputing device in the form of a computing device 201. The componentsof the computing device 201 can comprise, but are not limited to, one ormore processors or processing units 203, a system memory 212, and asystem bus 213 that couples various system components including theprocessor 203 to the system memory 212. In the case of multipleprocessing units 203, the system can utilize parallel computing.

The system bus 213 represents one or more of several possible types ofbus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, aperipheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or localbus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, sucharchitectures can comprise an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus,a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, an Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, aVideo Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, an AcceleratedGraphics Port (AGP) bus, and a Peripheral Component Interconnects (PCI),a PCI-Express bus, a Personal Computer Memory Card Industry Association(PCMCIA), Universal Serial Bus (USB) and the like. The bus 213, and allbuses specified in this description can also be implemented over a wiredor wireless network connection and each of the subsystems, including theprocessor 203, a mass storage device 204, an operating system 205,services software 206, services data 207, a network adapter 208, systemmemory 212, an Input/Output Interface 210, a display adapter 209, adisplay device 211, and a human machine interface 202, can be containedwithin one or more remote computing devices 214 a,b,c at physicallyseparate locations, connected through buses of this form, in effectimplementing a fully distributed system.

The computing device 201 typically comprises a variety of computerreadable media. Exemplary readable media can be any available media thatis accessible by the computing device 201 and comprises, for example andnot meant to be limiting, both volatile and non-volatile media,removable and non-removable media. The system memory 212 comprisescomputer readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as randomaccess memory (RAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read onlymemory (ROM). The system memory 212 typically contains data such asservices data 207 and/or program modules such as operating system 205and services software 206 that are immediately accessible to and/or arepresently operated on by the processing unit 203.

In another aspect, the computing device 201 can also comprise otherremovable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer storage media.By way of example, FIG. 2 illustrates a mass storage device 204 whichcan provide non-volatile storage of computer code, computer readableinstructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for thecomputing device 201. For example and not meant to be limiting, a massstorage device 204 can be a hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, aremovable optical disk, magnetic cassettes or other magnetic storagedevices, flash memory cards, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) orother optical storage, random access memories (RAM), read only memories(ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), andthe like.

Optionally, any number of program modules can be stored on the massstorage device 204, including by way of example, an operating system 205and services software 206. Each of the operating system 205 and servicessoftware 206 (or some combination thereof) can comprise elements of theprogramming and the services software 206. Services data 207 can also bestored on the mass storage device 204. Services data 207 can be storedin any of one or more databases known in the art. Examples of suchdatabases comprise, DB2®, Microsoft® Access, Microsoft® SQL Server,Oracle®, mySQL, PostgreSQL, and the like. The databases can becentralized or distributed across multiple systems.

In another aspect, the user can enter commands and information into thecomputing device 201 via an input device (not shown). Examples of suchinput devices comprise, but are not limited to, a keyboard, pointingdevice (e.g., a “mouse”), a microphone, a joystick, a scanner, tactileinput devices such as gloves, and other body coverings, and the likeThese and other input devices can be connected to the processing unit203 via a human machine interface 202 that is coupled to the system bus213, but can be connected by other interface and bus structures, such asa parallel port, game port, an IEEE 1394 Port (also known as a Firewireport), a serial port, or a universal serial bus (USB).

In yet another aspect, a display device 211 can also be connected to thesystem bus 213 via an interface, such as a display adapter 209. It iscontemplated that the computing device 201 can have more than onedisplay adapter 209 and the computer 201 can have more than one displaydevice 211. For example, a display device can be a monitor, an LCD(Liquid Crystal Display), or a projector. In addition to the displaydevice 211, other output peripheral devices can comprise components suchas speakers (not shown) and a printer (not shown) which can be connectedto the computing device 201 via Input/Output Interface 210. Any stepand/or result of the methods can be output in any form to an outputdevice. Such output can be any form of visual representation, including,but not limited to, textual, graphical, animation, audio, tactile, andthe like. The display 211 and computing device 201 can be part of onedevice, or separate devices.

The computing device 201 can operate in a networked environment usinglogical connections to one or more remote computing devices 214 a,b,c.By way of example, a remote computing device can be a personal computer,portable computer, a smart phone, a server, a router, a networkcomputer, a peer device or other common network node, and so on. Logicalconnections between the computing device 201 and a remote computingdevice 214 a,b,c can be made via a network 215, such as a local areanetwork (LAN) and a general wide area network (WAN). Such networkconnections can be through a network adapter 208. A network adapter 208can be implemented in both wired and wireless environments. Suchnetworking environments are conventional and commonplace in dwellings,offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, and the Internet.

For purposes of illustration, application programs and other executableprogram components such as the operating system 205 are illustratedherein as discrete blocks, although it is recognized that such programsand components reside at various times in different storage componentsof the computing device 201, and are executed by the data processor(s)of the computer. An implementation of services software 206 can bestored on or transmitted across some form of computer readable media.Any of the disclosed methods can be performed by computer readableinstructions embodied on computer readable media. Computer readablemedia can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. Byway of example and not meant to be limiting, computer readable media cancomprise “computer storage media” and “communications media.” “Computerstorage media” comprise volatile and non-volatile, removable andnon-removable media implemented in any methods or technology for storageof information such as computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules, or other data. Exemplary computer storage mediacomprises, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory orother memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or otheroptical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which canbe used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by acomputer.

The methods and systems can employ Artificial Intelligence techniquessuch as machine learning and iterative learning. Examples of suchtechniques include, but are not limited to, expert systems, case basedreasoning, Bayesian networks, behavior based AI, neural networks, fuzzysystems, evolutionary computation (e.g. genetic algorithms), swarmintelligence (e.g. ant algorithms), and hybrid intelligent systems (e.g.expert inference rules generated through a neural network or productionrules from statistical learning).

FIGS. 3-4 illustrate an exemplary system and network in which thesystems and methods of the present disclosure can operate. In an aspect,a discovery element 122 can be in communication with one or more of thecomputing device 120 and a service provider 300 to receive one or moreservices 302. As an example, service provider 300 can be a contentprovider, security provider, communications provider, Internet provider,and the like. As an example, services 302 can comprise content,interactive media, and/or data relating to the service provider. As afurther example, the services can be presented via the display device121 through one or more of the computing device 120 and the discoveryelement 122.

In an aspect, the discovery element 122 can be configured as an in-linehardwire interface to wireless adapter, as illustrated in FIG. 3. As anexample, the discovery element 122 can be configured as a HDMI to WiFiadapter. As a further example, the discovery element 122 can receivedata from a data source (e.g. HDMI source) such as the computing device120. In an aspect, one or more interface elements 304 a, 304 b canfacilitate the communication between the computing device 120 and thediscovery element 122. As an example, the one or more interface elements304 a, 304 b can be HDMI or other protocols, logical, and/or physicalinterfaces such as Internet protocol (IP), radio frequency (RF). WiFi,Bluetooth, ZigBee, component, Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA),Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), OpenCable, Digital VideoBroadcasting (DVB), S-video, and the like.

In an aspect, the discovery element 122 can be configured to encode datain a format (e.g., H.264 Main Level) that can be viewed by user devices.As an example, an encoder 306 can be configured to receive data in afirst format (e.g., Internet protocol (IP), radio frequency (RF), WiFi,Bluetooth, ZigBee, component, Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA),Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), OpenCable, Digital VideoBroadcasting (DVB), S-video, and the like) and encode (e.g., convert,transcode, format, reformat, etc.) the data into a second format (e.g.,wireless format such as 802.11n, WEP, WPA Personal, WPA/WPA2 Personal,WPA2 Personal, and the like).

In an aspect, when a user device 308 such as a mobile device or wirelessdevice requests to view the output of the HDMI source, the discoveryelement 122 can transmit data in a converted format wirelessly to theuser device. As an example, one or more interface elements 304 c. 304 dcan facilitate communication between the discovery element 122 and theuser device 308. As a further example, the one or more interfaceelements 304 c. 304 d can be wireless interfaces such as WiFitransmitter/receivers or radios.

In an aspect, the user device 308 can receive the converted data and canpresent the converted data (e.g., content) via a user interface 310. Asan example, the user interface can be a display, a touchscreen, or otherinterface to facilitate user interaction with the user device 308. As afurther example, the converted data can be protected with a suitabletechnology such as HDCP2.0. Meanwhile, the display 121 can present thesame content based upon the output from the data source (e.g., HDMIsource).

As illustrated in FIG. 4, a discovery method can be provided bydiscovery element 122 to allow the discovery element 122 to locate oneor more devices (e.g., user device 308) on a network 312 such as a localnetwork. In an aspect, the discovery element 122 can generate a discretewireless network 316. As an example, the discrete wireless network 316can be a WiFi network. As a further example, the discrete wirelessnetwork 316 can be ad hoc network. In an aspect, the user device 308 canjoin (e.g., connect to) the discrete wireless network 316 for thepurpose of reconfiguring discovery element 122 to join the local network312 to which the user device is already connected. In particular, theuser device 308 can transmit configuration information to the discoveryelement 122 to facilitate the discovery element 122 connecting to thelocal network 312. After joining the local network 312, discoveryelement 122 can interact with devices that are connected to the localnetwork.

In an aspect, data such as content presented via the user device 308 canbe transmitted to the discovery element 122. Accordingly, discoveryelement 122 can convert the data received from the user device 308 forpresentation on one or more connected devices such as the display 121.In an aspect, a content element 318 can be configured to receive contentdata from various sources (e.g., service provider 300, computing device120, user device 308, etc.). As an example, the content element 318 canbe configured to overlay graphics from the user device 308 onto videotransmitted from the computing device 102 to the display 121 (e.g., viathe discovery element 122). As a further example, a customized userexperience can be presented on the user device 308 and shared with asecond device such as the display 121. In an aspect, the user experiencecan be generated on the user device 308 and at least a portion of theuser experience can be shared with a second device. As an example, theuser experience of the user device 308 can be replicated and shared witha second device.

In an aspect, discovery element 122 can be configured to transmit (e.g.,via WiFi) a default SSID. As an example, discovery element 122 can beconfigured with a unique SSID that is communicated to a device such asthe user device 308 seeking to communicate with the discovery element122. As another example, the discovery element 122 can be associatedwith one or more SSIDs. As a further example, the discovery element 122can establish a peer-to-peer connection with one or more devices, suchas the user device 308.

In an aspect, the discovery element 122 can support WiFi Protected Setup(WPS). As an example, pairing between the discovery element 122 and adevice such as the user device 308. As a further example, pairing can befacilitated via the UPnP architecture as defined in UPnP™ DeviceArchitecture 1.1, Document Revision Date: Oct. 15, 2008, herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As such, the discoveryelement 122 can advertise itself as a UPnP Media Server. The discoveryelement 122 can accept a pairing request from any client applicationwhen in an ‘Un-Paired’ state. Accordingly, the discovery element 122 canestablish pairing with a device such as the user device 308 or otherclient. The discovery element 122 can request the client's capabilitiesfrom the client application at the time of pairing is established. As anexample, client capability information can be maintained and ormonitored for the duration of the pairing with the client. As a furtherexample, a pairing can be rejected based on the capabilities of theclient as informed by the client.

In an aspect, one or more discovery elements 122 can facilitatetransmission of data (e.g., an IP video stream, file based transfer ofcontent, communication services, etc.) to one or more receiving devices.As an example, a single discovery element 122 can be configured tocommunicate with a single receiver (i.e., a 1:1 experience). As afurther example, multiple discovery elements 122 can be configured tocommunicate with one or more receivers (i.e., a N:M experience).

In the 1:1 scenario, a discovery element 122 can transmit informationrelating to communicating with the discovery element 122 via a wirelessnetwork. In an aspect, a user can view, using an application (e.g., userinterface 310) executing on a user device for example, the discoveryelement 122 that is currently active on the local WiFi network. Theapplication can identify the presence of the discovery element 122 and,upon establishing communication with the discovery element 122, theapplication can begin streaming video. If a user interacts with theapplication, for example, to change the channel, the user can invokesuch an action via an interface of the user device. This action cancause a signal to be transmitted to the source of the video. As afurther example, such an action can cause the channel on the source tobe changed, thereby resulting in the updated video being transmitted tothe user device.

In the N:M scenario, a plurality of discovery elements 122 can transmitinformation relating to communicating with one or more of the discoveryelement 122 via a wireless network. In an aspect, a user can view, usingan application executed on a user device for example, the discoveryelements 122 that are currently active on the local WiFi network. Theapplication can identify the presence of the discovery elements 122 and,upon establishing communication with one of the discovery elements 122,the application can begin streaming video. As such, other of thediscovery elements 122 can be available for communication with otherdevices seeking connectivity. If a user interacts with the application,to change the channel for example, the user can invoke such an actionvia an interface of the user device. This action can cause a signal tobe transmitted to the source of the video. As a further example, such anaction can cause the channel on the source to be changed, therebyresulting in the updated video being transmitted to the user device.

In an aspect, discovery element 122 can be configured to track andreport on usage and performance of the discovery elements 122. As anexample, the discovery element 122 can be configured to log definedevents, store logged events, upload logs to a central service, andperform analytics regarding the operation of the discovery element 122.

In an aspect, one or more user devices 308 can comprise an applicationsuch as user interface 310 configured to facilitate a universal plug andplay (UPnP) control point, undertaking discovery of one or morediscovery elements 122 on the network and recognizing the status of thediscovery elements 122. In another aspect, the user interface 310 can beconfigured to display the available discovery elements 122 and thecurrent status (e.g., paired, unpaired, streaming, etc.). As an example,the user interface 310 can be configured to facilitate pairing with oneor more discovery elements 122. As a further example, the user interface310 can support Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) tocommunicate the configuration of the user device 308 to the discoveryelement 122.

In an aspect, one or more user devices 308 can comprise an applicationsuch as user interface 310 configured to support High-Bandwidth DigitalCopy Protection Interface Independent Adaptation (HDCP IIA) and tocomply with HDCP Revision 2.0. In another aspect, the user interface310, or other application, can be configured to consume an AVC/H.264 A/Vstream from a discovery element 122 (e.g., via real-time transportprotocol (RTP) container). As an example, the user interface 310 cancontrol an RTP delivery using real-time streaming protocol (RTSP). As anexample, the user interface 310 can be configured to facilitate userinteraction with a computing device such as computing device 120 toPower-on/off, Channel change, perform VOD discovery andcontrol/trick-play, execute DVR controls, perform PIN control entry, andthe like.

In an aspect, one or more user devices 308 can comprise an applicationsuch as interface element 304 d and/or user interface 310 configured tosupport peer-to-peer WiFi connection to any discovery element 122 thatis broadcasting an SSID. In another aspect, the application can beconfigured to provide access to configurations of the discovery element122 when connected through the SSID transmitted by the discovery element122. As an example, the application can require the user to successfullyauthenticate with the multi-system operator (MSO) before granting accessto configuration and/or an administration panel.

An exemplary method for providing one or more services is shown in FIG.5. In step 502, data can be accessed or received in a first format. Inan aspect, the first format can be compatible with high-definitionmultimedia interface. As a further example, the first format can becompatible with other protocols and communications means such asInternet protocol (IP), radio frequency (RF), WiFi, Bluetooth, ZigBee,component, Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA), Digital Living NetworkAlliance (DLNA). OpenCable, Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB), S-video,HDMI and the like.

In step 504, the data can be transmitted to a first device. In anaspect, the first device can be configured to present one or both of anaudio output and a visual output based upon the transmitted data havingthe first format. As an example, the first device can comprise a displayfor presenting visual output such as video, images, text, and the like.As another example, the first device can comprise a decoder,communication terminal, converter, and the like. As a further example,the audio output can comprise sound (inaudible and/or audible), tones,and the like.

In step 506, a second device can be detected. In an aspect, the seconddevice can be a mobile device and/or a wireless device, such as astorage, processing, or presentation device. In another aspect, thesecond device can transmit a request for connection. As an example, therequest for connection can comprise a request to join a network such asa local area network (e.g., LAN, WLAN, etc.). As a further example, thesecond device can be configured to connect to the network in response toprocessing the request.

In step 508, a supported second format of the detected second device canbe recognized. The second format can be a wireless format or protocolfor wireless communication. As an example, the second format can be amobile format configured for processing by mobile devices. In an aspect,the supported second format can be automatically recognized. As anexample, automatically recognizing a supported second format of thedetected second device can comprise identifying configurations of thesecond device, the configurations comprising one or more ofcompatibility, connectivity, resolution, bit-rate, and the like. Thesecond device can also transmit (e.g., broadcast) its desired settingsfor the second format. As a further example, the supported second formatcan be or comprise a mobile device format such as 3GP, 3G2, MP4, H.264Main Level, and the like. In an aspect, the second device can transmitconfigurations such as capability information to a recipient device suchas the discovery element 122. Other devices in communication with thesecond device can be the recipient device for receiving capabilityinformation relating to the second device.

In step 510, the data (e.g., any portion of data, such as part of acontent item) can be converted to the second format. In an aspect, thedata can be converted by an encoder, transcoder, interface, or similardevice, software, or combinations thereof. In step 512, the converteddata can be transmitted to the second device via wireless communication.In an aspect, the converted data can be transmitted to the second devicein an encrypted form. In another aspect, the wireless communication canbe at least part of a local area network.

In an aspect, illustrated in FIG. 6, provided is an exemplary method forproviding one or more services. In step 602, a device can be associatedvia an ad hoc network. The ad hoc network can be a LAN, WLAN,configuration network, or the like. The device can be a user device suchas a wireless device, mobile device, communication terminal, display,and the like. In an aspect, the device can be associated with anotherdevice via the ad hoc network. As an example, associating the device cancomprise connecting to the device to the ad hoc network. As an example,the device can be associated with a source of the ad hoc network. As afurther example, the association with the source can comprise beingcoupled to the same network, registered to a particular user orpremises, authorized under the same credentials, and the like.

In step 604, configuration information can be received from the device.In an aspect, the configuration information can relate to a secondnetwork. As an example, the configuration information can comprisenetwork connectivity data relating to at least a wireless network. As afurther example, the second network can be or comprise a local areanetwork.

In step 606, communication with the second network can be configuredbased upon the configuration information. In an aspect, configuringcommunication comprises joining the second network.

In an aspect, illustrated in FIG. 7, provided is an exemplary method forproviding one or more services via a remote device. In step 702, firstdata can be accessed or received in a first format. In an aspect, thefirst format can be compatible with high-definition multimedia interface(HDMI), Internet protocol (IP), radio frequency (RF), WiFi, Bluetooth,ZigBee, component, Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA), Digital LivingNetwork Alliance (DLNA), OpenCable, Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB),S-video, and the like

In step 704, the first data can be transmitted to a first device. In anaspect, the first device can be configured to present one of an audiooutput and a visual output based upon the transmitted data having thefirst format. As an example, the first device can comprise a display forpresenting visual output such as video, images, text, and the like. Asanother example, the first device can comprise a decoder, communicationterminal, converter, and the like. As a further example, the audiooutput can comprise sound (inaudible and/or audible), tones, and thelike.

In step 706, a second device can be detected. In an aspect, the seconddevice can be a mobile device and/or a wireless device. As an example,the second device can be discovered by joining or being joined to anetwork. As a further example, detecting the second device can comprisecommunicating with the second device.

In step 707, a supported second format of the detected second device canbe recognized. As an example, the supported second format can be acontent presentation format. As a further example, the supported secondformat can be a mobile format such as such as 3GP, 3G2, MP4, H.264 MainLevel, and the like. Other formats can be supported by the seconddevice. In an aspect, the supported second format can be automaticallyrecognized. As an example, automatically recognizing a supported secondformat of the detected second device can comprise identifyingconfigurations of the second device, the configurations comprising oneor more of compatibility, connectivity, resolution, and bit-rate. As afurther example, the supported second format can be recognized byquerying the second device, by having the second device make thesupported second format discoverable, by analyzing available or sharedconfiguration information, or the like.

In step 708, the second data in the second format can be received fromthe second device. In an aspect, the second data can be received viawireless communication. In step 710, the second data from the secondformat can be converted to the first format. In an aspect, the seconddata can be converted by an encoder, transcoder, interface, or similardevice, software, or combinations thereof.

In step 712, the converted second data can be transmitted to the firstdevice. In step 714, an output can be generated. In an aspect, the firstdevice can generate the output or can present the generated output. Asan example, the output can be generated based upon the first data or theconverted data, or a combination thereof. As another example, the outputcan comprise merged images based upon the first data and the converteddata. As a further example, the output can comprise overlaid imagesbased upon the first data and the converted data.

While the methods and systems have been described in connection withpreferred embodiments and specific examples, it is not intended that thescope be limited to the particular embodiments set forth, as theembodiments herein are intended in all respects to be illustrativerather than restrictive.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that anymethod set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps beperformed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim doesnot actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is nototherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that thesteps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended thatan order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possiblenon-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic withrespect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaningderived from grammatical organization or punctuation; the number or typeof embodiments described in the specification.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made without departing from thescope or spirit. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosedherein. It is intended that the specification and examples be consideredas exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving data having afirst format; transmitting the data to a first device; detecting asecond device; automatically recognizing a supported second format ofthe detected second device; converting at least a portion of the data tothe second format; and transmitting the at least a portion of theconverted data to the second device.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereinthe first format is compatible with high-definition multimediainterface.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first device isconfigured to present one of an audio output and a visual output basedupon the transmitted data having the first format.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the second device is a wireless device.
 5. The methodof claim 1, wherein automatically recognizing a supported second formatof the detected second device comprises identifying configurations ofthe second device, the configurations comprising one or more ofcompatibility, connectivity, resolution, and bit-rate.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the second format comprises a mobile device format. 7.The method of claim 1, wherein the converted data is transmitted to thesecond device in an encrypted form.
 8. The method of claim 1, whereinthe wireless communication is at least part of a local area network. 9.A method comprising: associating with a device via an ad hoc network;receiving configuration data from the device, wherein the configurationdata relates to a second network; and configuring communication with thesecond network based upon the configuration data.
 10. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the ad hoc network is a configuration network.
 11. Themethod of claim 9, wherein the configuration data comprises networkconnectivity data relating to at least a wireless network.
 12. Themethod of claim 9, wherein configuring communication comprises joiningthe second network.
 13. A method comprising: receiving first data in afirst format; transmitting the first data to a first device; detecting asecond device; automatically recognizing a supported second format ofthe detected second device; receiving second data in the second formatfrom the second device; converting the second data from the secondformat to the first format; and transmitting the converted data to thefirst device.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first format iscompatible with high-definition multimedia interface.
 15. The method ofclaim 13, wherein automatically recognizing a supported second format ofthe detected second device comprises identifying configurations of thesecond device, the configurations comprising one or more ofcompatibility, connectivity, resolution, and bit-rate.
 16. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the second format comprises a mobile device format.17. The method of claim 13, wherein the second data is received viawireless communication.
 18. The method of claim 13, further comprisinggenerating an output from the first device based upon the first data andthe converted data.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the outputcomprises merged images based upon the first data and the converteddata.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the output comprises overlaidimages based upon the first data and the converted data.